Baker Mayfield's rise in college football is a story of determination and talent. Starting as a walk-on at Texas Tech, Mayfield's journey to becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma University is a testament to his skill and perseverance. This article delves into the key moments and decisions that defined Mayfield's college career, leading to his recognition as one of the top players in college football.
Early College Days at Texas Tech
Baker Mayfield began his college football
career at Texas Tech University, where he joined the team as a walk-on. Despite not being on scholarship, Mayfield quickly made an impact. Shortly before the start of the 2013 season, he was named the starting quarterback due to an injury to the projected starter. In his debut game against SMU, Mayfield threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns, setting a school record for completions by a freshman.
Mayfield's performance earned him the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week, a significant achievement for a freshman walk-on. However, his time at Texas Tech was not without challenges. After a knee injury and losing his starting position, Mayfield decided to leave the program due to a "miscommunication" with the coaching staff. This decision set the stage for his next chapter at Oklahoma.
Transfer to Oklahoma and Rising Success
In January 2014, Mayfield transferred to the University of Oklahoma, a move that would define his college career. Despite not initially contacting the Sooners' coaching staff, Mayfield joined the team as a walk-on. Due to Big 12 Conference transfer rules, he was ineligible to play in the 2014 season and lost a year of eligibility.
Mayfield's determination paid off when he was named the starting quarterback for the Sooners in 2015. His performance that season was impressive, with 3,700 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, earning him fourth place in the Heisman Trophy voting. Mayfield's leadership helped Oklahoma reach the 2015 Orange Bowl, although they lost to Clemson.
Achieving the Heisman Trophy
The 2017 season was a pinnacle in Mayfield's college career. He led Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. His outstanding performance throughout the season, including a school-high 598 passing yards against Oklahoma State, solidified his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
On December 9, 2017, Mayfield was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first walk-on player to win the prestigious award. His journey from a walk-on at Texas Tech to a Heisman winner at Oklahoma is a remarkable story of resilience and talent, inspiring many aspiring athletes.
